Psychosocial impacts of amblyopia therapy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aims and objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of amblyopia therapy on psychological well being and emotions of children and to find out the causes of non compliance of amblyopia therapy. METHOD: The study was conducted in the month of October, November and December 2012. A total of 50 children were checked who were undergoing amblyopia therapy. RESULT: Among those 66% children reported that they face educational difficulties, 52% had recreational difficulties. 88% families were aware of importance of patching that’s why 88% families were supportive, 54% friends were supportive and among teachers, 62% were supportive 20% were not school going 18% were discouraging. Child’s own psychology plays a significant role, 76% children were hesitant and 22% were confident. It is because of two factors, one is poor cosmetic appearance and other is poor vision in uncovered eye. 60% had best corrected vision in range of 6/18-6/36, 32% had best corrected vision in range of 6/6-6/12 while 8% were in range of 6/60-3/60.  CONCLUSION: Social well being was not that much affected because of proper guidance of practitioners. But 76% children were hesitant in applying patch because of poor cosmetic appearance and poor vision in uncovered eye so compliance was poor.